In this third installment of a blog series exploring some of Grand Rapids’ longest-standing breweries, we focus on Schmohz Brewing Company.

When Schmohz Brewing Company first opened, Grand Rapids only had a few other breweries, including Founders Brewing Co. and B.O.B.’s Brewery. One of Beer City’s founding microbreweries, Schmohz now distributes its brews throughout Michigan.

Schmohz’s Origins

Jim Schwerin, a Michigan Technological University alumnus, opened Schmohz in 2004 during the first wave of the microbrewery industry. Many breweries, including Founders Brewing Co., struggled to make ends meet before craft beer gained significant popularity, and many others closed up shop. In fact, Schmohz opened in the building of the former Robert Thomas Brewing Company.

Schmohz’s beer engineer, Chas Thompson, has seen Grand Rapids’ journey to its Beer City title; he has been involved in the beer industry since the 1990s.

“

”

Our regulars’ knowledge about the brewery makes for an extremely receptive environment for new guests.

“We strive to keep the family feeling,” Thompson says. “Our taproom staff strives to learn the names and occupations of our mug club members as well as their tastes in beer. Our regulars’ knowledge about the brewery makes for an extremely receptive environment for new guests.”

“It is very common for our regulars to offer opinions on what beers to try, or directions around town, to visitors new to Grand Rapids.”

The brewery’s proximity to the airport makes Schmohz a logical first step to those flying into Grand Rapids. From Schmohz, it’s easy to hit a variety of breweries around town for a tasty weekend — which is what helps make Grand Rapids a great beer city.

“I remember when the common faucet count was six different beers on tap at a single brewery. Today, 30-50 can be found in some locations,” Thompson says. “People still come to our community to experience the excitement of visiting several breweries.”

With 16 taps and varying brew styles, Schmohz pours beer for almost any taste preference.

The taproom has 16 taps, and the brewery makes more than 36 varieties of beer to satisfy almost any taste preference. Since 2009, when the brewery purchased a bottling line, Schmohz beers have been found across much of the state.

Last year, Schmohz opened up a second tap room in Petoskey.

A game of pool pairs nicely with any of Schmohz's brews.

Photo Credit: Experience Grand Rapids

Microbrewery Benefits

As a fairly small operation, Schmohz tries its best to accommodate tours with 48 hours notice, with a form on its website. Schmohz also has a mug club, with limited spots to avoid a factory warehouse club feel. Members receive $3 beers on Mondays.

Schmohz doesn’t feature a kitchen, but the staff does occasionally roll out a grill and offer up $1 hot dogs. And the brewery isn’t just for beer fans; they also make drinks like root beer and black cherry soda which are popular non-alcoholic options at Schmohz.

“While we are here to make great alcoholic beers, the ability to serve up a selection of non-alcoholic beverages to designated drivers or those who choose not to drink for other reasons makes a visit to Schmohz more personal for everyone,” Thompson says.

Schmohz is participating in Beer Month GR, which runs annually February 15 - March 15. For more information on local breweries that also offer unique food and craft beer experiences, visit our list of beer events, and be sure to grab or become a Beer City Brewsader® passport or download the app.

About the Breweries That Built Beer City series: Grand Rapids first earned the title Beer City USA in 2012, when there were far fewer breweries than the 40+ currently on the Beer City Ale Trail. This blog series focuses on those early pioneers – breweries that built an industry from the ground up starting in 1997 and firmly established the city’s reputation for world-class craft beer.

Pat Evans is a writer based in Grand Rapids and Las Vegas, NV. He writes nationally about a variety of subjects, including beer, spirits, food, and travel. He also wrote the book, Grand Rapids Beer: An Intoxicating History of River City Brewing.